A1Spanish

Thanking & Apologizing

Use these essential phrases to politely get attention, apologize for mistakes, and express or acknowledge gratitude in everyday situations.

Key Phrases

Voice
Expressing thanks · 2 ways to say it

Muchas gracias.

neutral

Thank you very much.

Mil gracias.

casual

A thousand thanks.

A very common and friendly way to say thanks.

Responding to thanks · 2 ways to say it

De nada.

neutral

You're welcome.

The most common and standard reply to 'gracias'.

No hay problema.

casual

No problem.

Apologizing · 2 ways to say it

Lo siento mucho.

neutral

I am very sorry.

¡Perdón!

casual

Sorry!

Use this for small mistakes or when lightly bumping into someone.

Responding to an apology · 2 ways to say it

Está bien.

neutral

It is fine.

No pasa nada.

casual

It's okay.

Literally means 'nothing happens'.

Excuse me (to interrupt) · 2 ways to say it

Disculpe.

polite

Excuse me (formal).

Use this with strangers, older people, or staff to get their attention.

Disculpa.

casual

Excuse me.

Use this to get the attention of friends or peers.

Excuse me (to pass)

Con permiso.

neutral

Excuse me (to pass).

Use this when you need to walk past someone in a crowded space.

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Disculpe.
Waiter
¿Sí, señor?
Customer
Este no es mi café.
Waiter
¡Ay, perdón! Lo siento mucho.
Customer
No pasa nada.
Waiter
Aquí tiene su café.
Customer
Muchas gracias.
Waiter
De nada.

More Greetings & Socializing (A1)

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